The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched an initiative to decarbonize operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja, marking a significant step toward sustainable aviation amid escalating climate challenges.
Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo announced the plans during a stakeholders' engagement on carbon emissions management organized by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) at the airport.
Keyamo emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, stating that the aviation sector must lead in adopting eco-friendly practices to mitigate global warming.
"The challenges posed by climate change demand decisive, concerted action by stakeholders to embrace decarbonization," he said, highlighting the government's commitment to transforming NAIA into a model of green infrastructure.
The proposed measures include electrifying terminal buildings to reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based power, establishing corridors for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to lower aircraft emissions, and implementing waste-to-energy projects to convert airport waste into renewable energy sources.
These initiatives aim to align with the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) long-term goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, while supporting Nigeria's broader Energy Transition Plan, which targets deep decarbonization by 2060.
FAAN's Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, represented by Dr. Luqman Eniola, Director of Human Resources and Administration, reaffirmed the agency's dedication to these efforts.
"Climate change poses a threat to the global aviation industry, with potential negative ripple effects on business and livelihoods if not properly managed," Kuku noted.
FAAN plans to roll out strategic measures, including energy-efficient technologies and emission-tracking systems, to ensure compliance with international standards.
The event, hosted at NAIA to indicates its strategic importance as Nigeria's gateway for international flights, brought together industry stakeholders, environmental experts, and policymakers.
Ibrahim Kana, speaking on behalf of the ministry, stressed collaborative efforts: "The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is vital to us, and this is why we are hosting this event today—to hear from you and journey together toward sustainability."
This decarbonization push comes as Nigeria invests heavily in airport infrastructure, with recent allocations of N8.73 billion in 2024 for power enhancements at NAIA's new international terminal to address chronic electricity issues.
Keyamo has previously highlighted the sector's high energy costs, noting in May 2024 that the government spends N1 billion monthly on electricity alone at Lagos' Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
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